What's the point

I am new to the grant writing world. I strarted with a simple 10k FP&S grant. I waited and watched since March for the awards, only to find that a HUGE percentage worth MILLIONS of dollars went to schools and research organizations.

I know I know that they factor in the "greater good" But why would anyone think that will ever change? I mean as the budgets keep shrinking and schools and research facilities can dedicate the personnel and money to win these grants, what is the point in spending time trying to get a small portion of the money?

I would venture to guess that most of us were looking for small money by comparison to help our communities develop or better our current programs. But with this trend of funding only big money research requests. WHY BOTHER?

I agree if you don't apply you don't even have a chance! But with briefly looking at the statistics of the past AFG, an average of 75% of the applications are from Rural volunteer FD's and around 62% of the applications are operations and safety. That shows need but yet they, if I remember right, took 30% of that money and put it into SAFER where these departments cannot apply for the training and basic equipment they desperatly need!! As discourageing as it may be at times we need to apply so we can show the need to keep these programs going after 2010, and hope that somebody starts looking at the #'s

The comments made by me are my opinions only. They DO NOT reflect the opinions of my employer(s). If you have an issue with something I may say, take it up with me, either by posting in the forums, emailing me through my profile, or PMing me through my profile.
We are all adults so there is no need to act like a child........
IACOJ